CHICAGO — For Derrick Rose, it is a new beginning. And it starts on his home court.

The Chicago Bulls’ superstar will suit up for the first time at the United Center since his latest season-ending knee injury when the U.S. national team meets Brazil in a tuneup Saturday for the World Cup of Basketball.

It’s a journey in which the former MVP point guard hopes he shows he still is a franchise player, one capable of leading a championship contender.

The Bulls are aiming high after a 48-win season in which Rose’s long-awaited comeback got cut short. He drew high praise practicing with Team USA in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. But until he plays in a game, questions will linger.

This gives him an opportunity to knock off some of the rust that’s built up after being sidelined most of the past two seasons. That’s why the Bulls were so gung-ho about him playing with Team USA this offseason, and for Rose, the benefits are easy to see.

“You’re actually out there competing,” he said. “There are so many elements of a basketball game and competing that it makes me feel like I’m a hooper again and I’m just happy that I get this opportunity to be here with these great players, great young players too, and really showcase my talent.”

Even with a long list of All-Stars withdrawing, including MVP Kevin Durant and the injured Paul George, the U.S. still has a deep team with Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, James Harden and Klay Thompson, among others. But on Saturday, all eyes will be on Rose.

After all, he’s been limited to just 49 regular-season games plus one playoff appearance the past three years.

He sat out the 2012-13 season recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, and just as he was working his way back last year, he wound up back on the shelf last November.

A torn meniscus in his right knee cut off his long-awaited comeback at 10 games.

U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski had no doubt Rose would be able to play because Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said he would be.

Krzyzewski didn’t realize Rose would be playing as well as he has.